Legions of music fans hear the tune "Take the 'A' Train" and immediately think of Duke Ellington - well welcome to the world of the song's composer, Billy "Sweet Pea" Strayhorn. Composer/arranger/pianist Billy Strayhorn was an essential element in the magic of Duke Ellington's music, and one of the most talented and tastefully sophisticated songwriters in the history of American popular music. Lucia Newell's evocative vocal performance, joined with the musical brilliance of Departure Point (some of the finest in Twin Cities jazz cats), does more than pay tribute to Billy Strayhorn. Steeped in Strayhorn is just that - a living, lovesome interpretation of Strayhorn classics like "A Train" and "Lush Life," lesser known titles like "Your Love Has Faded" and much more.

"Lucia Newell glows on this program. The intense romance, the super-sophisticated swing, the playfulness, the intoxication, the morbid streak - she gets it!"

Tom Surowicz, jazz writer and host of Monday Evening Jazz on KBEM radio, from the liner notes to Steeped in Strayhorn

Lucia Newell. Taking on a songbook as essential and familiar as Billy Strayhorn's, while revealing new dimensions in the work, requires a musician of exceptional interpretive skills. Singer Lucia Newell is one of those musicians. Lucia has performed at jazz clubs, concert halls and festivals throughout the world, including a two-year residency at the prestigious Clube 21 in Rio de Janeiro. In addition to her critically-acclaimed 1995 CD Enter You, Enter Love with Joan Griffith, Lucia's recording career includes backup vocal appearances on several major labels with artists such as Ben Sidran, Thelma Houston, Paula Abdul and Patty Austin. Based in the Twin Cities, her warm, seductive voice can be heard at top venues such as Orchestra Hall, the Artists' Quarter and the Dakota.

"Pete Whitman is Minnesota's craftiest chart writer/bandleader. . . . [Departure Point features] the crème-de-la-crème of Land O' Lakes jazz talent. . . ."

Tom Surowicz, from the liner notes to Steeped in Strayhorn

Departure Point. Departure Point is Pete Whitman (saxophone), Dave Jensen (trumpet, flugelhorn), Jeff Rinear (trombone), Laura Caviani (piano), Gordy Johnson (bass) and Phil Hey (drums). They not only represent the top echelon of musicians in the talent-rich Twin Cities jazz scene, each member is an accomplished arranger and composer in their own right. The collective skills, taste and musical intuition of the band adds up to the ideal unit to redefine a collection of Billy Strayhorn compositions. Executive Producer Steve Wiese, an internationally renowned producer and engineer, recorded, mixed and mastered Steeped in Strayhorn, perfectly capturing the beauty of the compositions and the outstanding performances of Lucia Newell & Departure Point.

Steeped in Strayhorn is available at www.luciaNewell.com, www.cdbaby.com, and select Twin Cities retail outlets. CDs will also be available at upcoming gigs, including the CD Release Celebration at the Dakota (October 7). For more information, please visit www.luciaNewell.com.

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